By not naming Michael Dawson on the bench, Villas-Boas made it clear his captain, whose leadership at the back has contributed to Spurs having the Premier League's second-best defensive record, was being rested.

That was the easy part.

What Villas-Boas did next has trapped him in a no-win situation going into the next Premier League game against Newcastle United.

Kyle Naughton was available to start at left-back; therefore, Vertonghen expected Villas-Boas to stay true to his word.

"He knows that position [centre-back] is waiting for him whenever we have options at left-back," Villas-Boas said, via ITV. "He has my word."

Villas-Boas wanted to continue easing YounesKaboul back to full-match fitness, so there was only one centre-back position left for either Chiriches or Vertonghen.

Vertonghen, the club's best defender, was a shoo-in to start once Naughton was passed fit for the Sheriff game.

Unfortunately, it came at the expense of Chiriches, who has played great football despite not having a pre-season with Spurs.

Vertonghen, starting at left-back, stopped his compatriot Kevin Mirallas, who led the Toffees in league assists (four) going into the game.

"I have had lots of conversations with Jan regarding this situation [playing left-back]," Villas-Boas said, via The Independent. "I know he doesn't like it, but it's no big deal. It's a decision I have to make for the best of the team."

Tottenham face Newcastle this weekend, and Villas-Boas will have a dilemma at centre-back: Vertonghen or Chiriches to partner Dawson.

OPTION A: Walker, Dawson, Chiriches, Vertonghen

OPTION B: Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Naughton

Option A is clearly the stronger back four simply because of Vertonghen being a superior left-back to Naughton, who is a right-back, not a left-back.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew played a 4-4-2 in the 2-0 win over Chelsea with Mathieu Debuchy and MoussaSissoko providing width on the right flank.

Can Naughton, who isn't suited to play at left-back, deal with the overlapping runs of Debuchy and the athleticism of Sissoko?

No.

How has Kyle Naughton missed out on the Ballon D'or shortlist again!! #FifaConspiracy